Gratitude

Finally, I have something happy to write about.

This weekend was simply blissful. I got to meet up with my BMT section mates and the two people I've hung out with for a very long time now. 2 entirely different groups of people, but they somehow manage to bring out a joy in me that I haven't felt in a while.

First, the 5th Coy bunch. Meeting up with them was definitely delightful. All we had was a simple lunch (and some negligent LAN), but it was still amazing. We sat down and talked about the times in BMT, our lives now and later, who's doing what and other funny stuff. But there was just this inexplicable joy that felt so natural and genuine, like it was radiating from all of us. We were exulting our imminent ORD, and couldn't be more elated about it.

And then there was dinner with Red Sotong. I can't believe it's already almost 8 years. I mean, we hang out and do dinner all the time, but I'm not sure if it was my lifted spirits that particular day that I felt a deep sense of gratitude. I know we will always be friends, regardless where we end up in the future. Don't ask me how I know; I just do.

It's true that people come and go in our lives; in primary school we had friends, in secondary school we had friends, and in tertiary we had friends. Few and far between actually survive the arduous test of time and remain friends with you till today. You see, friends don't come into our lives and stay naturally. We have to make an effort to stay that way. You will never have lasting friends if you "can't spare an hour for lunch 'cos I gotta study", or "it's too far for me", or "nah, that sounds boring". These are the people who are at best ephemeral, but that doesn't mean they're not friends. They were, albeit not the permanent kind. Bottom line is: people don't stay friends if they take each other for granted. Time, distance, even money, can test our friendships but nothing beats commitment.

And perhaps it's the season of thanksgiving that has put me in such a mood for gratitude. But we don't have to wait for someone (or a festival) to tell us that we need to be thankful. I am extremely grateful to have wonderful friends, regardless close or distant, and I hope you feel the same way too. After hearing during the gathering what the other guys had to go through, I have to say I'm extremely fortunate to be given what I have, and doing what I'm doing. I forgot to be thankful for the things that I have that others don't, because comparison got the better of me. I remember my MSN display picture says this - Work Hard and Be Nice to People. I can't say for sure if I've lived up to that, and I'm ashamed if I haven't, but I swear I'm trying my best. We all get a little lost somewhere along the way. We just gotta find ourselves back and live by our motto.

I'm bracing myself for a new phase in life, and I can't wait.